Well, the Minnesota Twins have made their first splash trade of this new Major League Baseball era. No, it’s not a pitcher. But it’s still somewhat of a blockbuster. They partnered with the Texas Rangers, dealing away Mitch Garver in exchange for 27-year-old starting shortstop, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the #15 prospect in their organization, 24-year-old (AA) RHP, Ronny Henriquez.
Catcher Mitch Garver is headed to the Rangers in the deal for Isiah Kiner-Falefa, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 12, 2022
Source: third guy in the deal is Texas sending RHP Ronny Henriquez to the Twins. It’s a 2-for-1. https://t.co/wIxyxLbwqj
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) March 12, 2022
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was a solid hitter in 2021, posting a .271 average to go with his 53 RBI. Just as importantly, he was available, playing in 153 games. But the Twins didn’t trade for him because of his offense. Kiner-Falefa is one of the top defensive shortstops in the MLB, and should give head coach, Rocco Baldelli, what he hade hoped to have in Andrelton Simmons last season.
If IKF can be as available to the Minnesota Twins as he was last season for the Rangers, and prove to be the lockdown defender he’s touted as, this would be a great start to their shortened offseason. But it’s far from over… hopefully.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was one of the best defensive shortstops in #MLB last season. He was valued at 10 Defensive Runs Saved. Also hit .271/.312/.357 w/ 8 HR and 53 RBIs for Texas.
— danhayesmlb (@DanHayesMLB) March 12, 2022
But to get him, #MNTwins parted with Mitch Garver.
Derek Falvey explains Twins’ rationale for trading Mitch Garver to Texas for shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and RH Ronny Henriquez. pic.twitter.com/4vgqZf6FJI
— Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) March 12, 2022
Read more on AA pitcher, Ronny Henriquez here.
Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan